CLINTON — A profile of a new superintendent for Clinton Community Schools was approved by the board of education Monday.

Applications are being taken to find a successor to David Pray when he retires at the end of the school year. The Michigan Association of School Boards is assisting the board in the search.

Richard Dunham, director of the MASB super- intendent search services, discussed the profile, which was compiled following meetings last week with staff and the community and incorporating board member ideas. An online survey was also conducted through the school district’s website.

Dunham said 181 responses were fielded from the community, with 124 submitted online. He said only 11 people came to the public input sessions, which means either the community feels a board is out-of-touch, or they are satisfied with the board’s performance. Dunham said the responses showed it was the latter, and cited the obvious passion people feel for the district.

“They are very proud of the their school district. The strengths (of the district) include its size and the obvious pride the community takes in it. They are very happy with the board’s direction. There was tremendous staff and community support,” he said. “It was a pleasure to facilitate the sessions.”

The profile includes the desire to have someone with a background in teaching and some experience in administration. Among the leadership qualities desired is someone who is a problem solver, a consensus builder and who can work collaboratively within the district and with neighboring districts and entities.

Dunham said very few differences were found between the board’s ideas and those from the community and staff.

The position is posted on the MASB website with a link to the Clinton school district’s site. Applications are being taken by the MASB until Feb. 20. The applications will be whittled down to six people at the Feb. 26 board of education meeting and interviews will be scheduled for March 5, 6 and 7.

When he retires after 43 years with the district, Pray will conclude a 44-year education career, the last 19 as Clinton superintendent.